Arsene Wenger has endured a season to forget as Arsenal boss and that’s putting it kindly.
Whether you’re in favour of the Frenchman or not, the bottom line is that Arsenal are on course for their worst campaign in over two decades. It’s a rotten spell that has seen criticism and protest galore thrown in his direction.
This week though, Wenger hasn’t helped himself with some rather questionable comments in his latest round of press conferences. His nomination for England captain, in the nicest regards, doesn’t exactly fill fans with confidence.
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Pick for captain
Despite the switch from Roy Hodgson to Sam Allardyce and then to Gareth Southgate, Wayne Rooney has maintained his position as England captain.
That being said, the Manchester United skipper has openly admitted that he plans to retire from international duties after the 2018 World Cup. As a result, a successor is just over a year away from inauguration.
Furthermore, as demonstrated by Southgate’s chopping and changing, there are a great number of candidates to slip on the armband.
As far as Wenger is concerned, however, Theo Walcott proves a strong candidate to grab the baton from Rooney. Just to confirm, yes, you did read that right.
As per The Sun, the Arsenal boss explained: “If you can captain a club team, you can captain the national team. He is quite a determined guy. He doesn’t compromise with what he thinks is important.
“He speaks his mind, especially in meetings I have with the players and at half-time in games, too. Theo is a guy who has a huge level of focus.”
Even if Walcott was the first name on the teamsheet for England, he would still prove a long shot for the armband. Speedy wingers who flit in and out of the team aren’t exactly synonymous with inspiring sides to titles.
Moreover, Southgate snubbed Walcott in the latest round of international fixtures against Germany and Lithuania. The 28-year-old might struggle for the captaincy when he can’t even make the bench.
Wenger future
Nevertheless, it proves nothing more than the latest odd comment from the under pressure manager. After all, calls for his head have never been so loud.
Consequently, Arsenal fans already doubting the 67-year-old’s perception of the game aren’t exactly going to have their minds changed by such a statement.
Wenger looks to be destined for the last laugh, though, and appears likely to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium. It seems even finishing outside of the top four, a hallmark achievement for Arsenal, won’t compromise his future.
Maybe in those two extra years, Wenger can keep working on Walcott’s rise to the England captaincy. Besides, Leicester City won the Premier League last season, so anything can happen.
Who do you think should succeed Wayne Rooney as England captain? Have YOUR say in the comment box below